9. Common Sense

Summary

In this engaging and thought-provoking conversation, a professor and students explore the intersection of technology, cognition, and human enhancement. They discuss the evolution of educational tools, such as the potential for re-engineering the brain to store massive amounts of information, and the complexities of teaching and learning. The discussion delves into the role of language, particularly Latin, in shaping memory and understanding. Additionally, the group speculates about the future of brain implants, sensory augmentation, and navigational technologies, reflecting on how these advancements could improve human cognition and perception in surprising ways.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of reengineering the human brain to have gigabytes of memory storage was discussed, suggesting a potential future with vastly improved memory capacities.
• 😀 The challenge of modern schoolchildren carrying heavy books was mentioned, and the idea of rethinking how knowledge and learning materials are stored was proposed.
• 😀 Latin was explored in the context of learning scientific terms, with one student sharing how Latin helped them memorize neuroscience terms based on their meanings.
• 😀 The professor shared a personal anecdote about his experience learning Latin, questioning its practical value and suggesting that learning French, Spanish, or Italian might have made Latin easier to learn.
• 😀 The conversation turned to sensory enhancement, including the idea of implants that could provide new ways to sense magnetic fields or other physical sensations.
• 😀 There was a mention of a belt with solar lights to help people sense the direction of North, with the suggestion that such tools could be used for sensory input enhancements.
• 😀 The professor recalled how a friend, Oliver Selfridge, was able to navigate buildings by mentally orienting himself to North, showing how people can develop environmental awareness.
• 😀 The concept of “preverbal queries” was introduced, discussing a future where people might communicate directly with the internet or external systems via brain signals.
• 😀 The use of magnets installed in people's bodies to help them sense magnetic fields was mentioned, with reports that some individuals retained this ability even after the magnets were removed.
• 😀 The idea of providing a physical marker (like arrows on ceilings pointing to Mecca) was suggested as a useful way to provide directional cues in buildings.

Q & A

What is the professor's view on the weight of school children's backpacks?

The professor highlights how heavy elementary school backpacks are, with some children carrying up to 30% of their body weight in books, which is incredibly burdensome. He contrasts this with the potential of future technology to help reduce the physical burden by using virtual memory and storage systems.

What does the student mean by 'complexity' and 'storytelling' in the context of the discussion?

The student refers to the complexity of teaching and learning, mentioning that different individuals have varied models and starting assumptions. This can affect how information is interpreted, with some assumptions potentially being misleading or perceived as propaganda. The student connects this with the concept of storytelling in education, where narratives influence understanding.

What kind of class does the student mention attending, and what is its format?

The student mentions a class that meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 AM, with lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays, and a problem-solving session on Fridays. Over time, the class has transitioned from lectures to more student-driven content.

What are the professor’s thoughts on the best kind of programming language for teaching?

The professor believes that the choice of programming language depends on the goals of the class. While some past classes were focused on specific languages, the professor questions whether a single language should be used across all levels, given that reflective thinking might require different languages or tools.

How does the professor reflect on his experience learning Latin?

The professor shares a humorous anecdote about learning Latin in school, realizing later that learning a Romance language like French or Spanish might have been more practical for understanding Latin. He also mentions that Greek would have been a better choice for understanding philosophical texts like those of Aristotle.

How does a student find Latin useful in their neuroscience studies?

The student finds Latin useful for memorizing neuroscience terms, as many are derived from Latin. The student associates Latin words with their meanings (e.g., 'dorsal' meaning 'back'), which helps in understanding and recalling the terms more easily.

What anecdote does the professor share about his wife’s experience with a Greek patient?

The professor shares an anecdote about his wife, a physician, who once diagnosed a Greek patient with 'gastroenteritis.' When the patient asked what was wrong with him, she realized that 'gastroenteritis' was a vague, non-specific term often used by doctors to give the illusion of knowledge.

What are some ideas the professor discusses regarding brain-machine interfaces?

The professor speculates that future technology might allow for direct brain-to-computer connections, such as feeding sensory data or queries into the brain through implants. He mentions the possibility of sensors in the brain for context and communication with the web or other systems, making it possible to ask questions or receive information directly.

What does the professor think about the use of sensory implants or outputs in the human body?

The professor expresses interest in the potential for sensory implants or outputs in the human body. He discusses the idea of using small sensors connected to nerves to provide new sensory inputs, like a magnetic field sense or spatial awareness, even suggesting that the brain could be integrated with external memory devices.

What does the professor think about the use of magnets implanted in the body for sensory feedback?

The professor finds the idea of implanted magnets giving people a magnetic sense intriguing, noting that people can develop a kind of 'magnetic sense' after receiving implants. He is also fascinated by the idea of using technology like this to augment human perception, such as creating a sense of direction or orientation using sensory feedback from implants.